Hair Covering

ABSTRACT

An adjustable hair covering includes a body member with at least one channel, a draw string and a fixing member. The body member includes a top opening and an enclosed space for storing a user&#39;s hair. The channel extends from the body member top end and to a position intermediate the body member top and bottom ends. The second end of the channel includes a channel opening. The draw string is operably coupled with the body member top end and positioned within the channel with the draw string extending from the channel opening. The fixing member is releasably coupled to the draw string so that in an extended state the draw string length is greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the draw string length is less than the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to hair coverings in general, and inparticular to an adjustable hair covering.

BACKGROUND

Hair coverings are used for many purposes. Hair coverings are used whileshowering or bathing to protect hair from getting wet. Hair coveringsare also used in hair salons to enclose hair while being treated withmaterials such as hair coloring, perm solution and the like, so exposureof such materials, sometimes harmful to human health and/or susceptibleto producing permanent stains on clothing, is minimized. As well, haircoverings are used to simply confine hair during other activities suchas sleeping, cooking and exercising. Hair coverings could also be usedas a fashion accessory.

It is desirable to users to wear a hair covering that is large enough tostore the user's hair unimpeded. At the same time, it is also desirablenot to have too much empty space within the hair covering. That is,users prefer to wear a hair coverings that are sized appropriate withthe user's hair.

However, hair coverings are not sold as a one-size-fits-all product.This is because users have different lengths of hair and differentvolumes of hair, which may vary with time. As such, users purchase haircoverings based on hair length and volume at the time of purchase. Inmany instances, however, the user may change her hair style. Forexample, a user who has long hair may have her hair cut to a shorterlength. As a result, the user is required to purchase a new haircovering fit for shorter hair. As the user's hair grows, the user wouldthen be required to purchase another hair covering to accommodate thegrowing length and volume of her hair.

Therefore, a need exists for a hair covering that is adjustable fordifferent lengths and volumes of hair.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of some embodiments of theinvention in order to provide a basic understanding of the invention.This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is notintended to identify key/critical elements of the invention or todelineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to presentsome embodiments of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude tothe more detailed description that is presented later.

In one aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable haircovering comprising: an elastic head band substantially circular inshape and configured to be fixed on a user's head proximate the foreheadand upper neck area; a body member having a top end and an opposingbottom end, the body member top end operably coupled with the elastichead band and extending therefrom to form a head band opening proximatethe body member top end and an enclosed space between the body membertop end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configured tostore the user's hair; first and second channels each having a first endand an opposing second end, the first and second channels formed on thebody member with the channel first ends coinciding with the body membertop end, and the channel second ends extending to a positionintermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the channel secondends each having a channel opening, wherein each first and secondchannels have a channel length defined by the length between respectivechannel first and second ends; a draw string having opposing first andsecond ends and a lower loop therebetween, the draw string first endoperably coupled with the body member top end, the draw string having afirst section extending between the draw string first end and the lowerloop, the first section positioned within the first channel, the drawstring second end operably coupled with the body member top end, thedraw string having a second section extending between the draw stringsecond end and the lower loop, the second section positioned within thesecond channel, and the lower loop extending from respective channelsecond ends; and a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw stringfirst and second sections between the respective draw string first andsecond ends, and the lower loop, wherein a first draw string length isdefined by the length between the draw string first end and the fixingmember, and a second draw string length is defined by the length betweenthe draw string second end and the fixing member; wherein in an extendedstate the first and second draw string lengths are greater than thefirst and second channel lengths, respectively, and in a retracted statethe first and second draw string lengths are less than the first andsecond channel lengths, respectively, thereby reducing the distancebetween the top and bottom ends of the body member.

In another aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable haircovering comprising: a head band substantially circular in shape andconfigured to be fixed on a user's head; a body member having a top endand an opposing bottom end, the body member top end operably coupledwith the head band and extending therefrom to form a head band openingproximate the body member top end and an enclosed space between the bodymember top end and body member bottom end, the enclosed space configuredto store the user's hair; at least one channel having a first end and anopposing second end, the at least one channel formed on the body memberwith the first end of the at least one channel positioned proximate thebody member top end, and the second end of the at least one channelextending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottomends, the second end of the at least one channel having a channelopening, wherein the at least one channel having a channel lengthdefined by the length between the first and second ends of the at leastone channel; a draw string having opposing first and second ends, and alower loop therebetween, the draw string first end operably coupled withthe body member top end, the draw string having a first sectionextending between the draw string first end and the lower loop, thefirst section positioned within the at least one channel, the drawstring second end operably coupled with the body member top end, thedraw string having a second section extending between the draw stringsecond end and the lower loop, the second section positioned within theat least one channel, and the lower loop extending from the second endof the at least one channel; and a fixing member releasably coupled tothe draw string first and second sections between the respective drawstring first and second ends, and the lower loop, wherein a first drawstring length is defined by the length between the draw string first endand the fixing member, and a second draw string length is defined by thelength between the draw string second end and the fixing member; whereinin an extended state the first and second draw string lengths aregreater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the first andsecond draw string lengths are less than the channel length, therebyreducing the distance between the top and bottom ends of the bodymember.

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides an adjustable haircovering comprising: a body member having a top end and an opposingbottom end, a top opening formed proximate the body member top end andan enclosed space formed between the body member top end and body memberbottom end, the enclosed space configured to store a user's hair; atleast one channel having a first end and an opposing second end, the atleast one channel formed on the body member with the first end of the atleast one channel positioned proximate the body member top end, and thesecond end of the at least one channel extending to a positionintermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the second end of theat least one channel having a channel opening, wherein the at least onechannel having a channel length defined by the length between the firstand second ends of the at least one channel; a draw string havingopposing proximal and distal ends, the draw string proximal end operablycoupled with the body member top end, the draw string positioned withinthe at least one channel with the draw string distal extending from thechannel opening; and a fixing member releasably coupled to the drawstring between the draw string proximal and distal ends; wherein a drawstring length is defined by the length between the draw string proximalend and the fixing member; wherein in an extended state the draw stringlength is greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state thedraw string length is less than the channel length, thereby reducing thedistance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofpresently preferred embodiments of the invention, will be betterunderstood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For thepurpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawingsembodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangementsand instrumentalities shown.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a hair covering of the present inventionin use in an extended state;

FIG. 2 shows a front perspective view of the hair covering of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the hair covering of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the hair covering of FIG. 1 in a retractedstate;

FIG. 5 shows a fixing member of the hair covering of FIG. 1 engaged witha draw string extending from channel openings;

FIG. 6 shows the draw string coupled with a body member of the haircovering of FIG. 1 in a partially disassembled state;

FIG. 7 shows a sectional view the configuration of the body member ofthe hair covering of FIG. 1 in a disassembled state;

FIG. 8 shows a sectional view of the body member of FIG. 7 in anassembled state; and

FIG. 9 shows a sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the bodymember of the hair covering of the present invention.

To facilitate an understanding of the invention, identical referencenumerals have been used, when appropriate, to designate the same orsimilar elements that are common to the figures. Further, unless statedotherwise, the features shown in the figures are not drawn to scale andare shown for illustrative purposes only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The article “a” is intended to include one ormore items, and where only one item is intended the term “one” orsimilar language is used. Additionally, to assist in the description ofthe present invention, words such as top, bottom, side, upper, lower,front, rear, inner, outer, right and left are used to describe theaccompanying figures. The terminology includes the words abovespecifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similarimport.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, an embodiment of a hair covering 1 of thepresent invention is shown. In general, the hair covering 1 includes ahead band 10 coupled to a body member 20 having a channels 50 a, 50 b. Adraw sting 70 is positioned within the channels 50 a, 50 b and extendtherefrom. A fixing member 90 is attached to the draw string 70 foradjusting the length of the hair covering 1.

Still referring to FIGS. 1-3, the head band 10 is generally circular inshape and is dimensioned to fit on a user's head around the user'sforehead and a lower portion of the back of the user's head. The headband 10 includes a free outer end 12 and an opposing inner end 14.Depending on how the hair covering 1 is worn by the user, the head band10 could engage with an upper neck portion of the user. In thisembodiment, the head band 10 is constructed of an elastic fabric so thata snug fit could be accomplished. In this embodiment, the elastic fabricused for the head band 10 is a polyester-spandex blend but othermaterials, including blends of materials could be used without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. The head band 10 in thisembodiment is 1½ inches in width to provide sufficient surface area forcontact with the user's head. One of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that the elasticity of the material used for the head band 10could vary and as such, the width of the head band 10 could also varydepending on the elasticity of the material used for the head band 10.One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that other meanscould be used for the head band 10 to accomplish a snug fit. Forexample, the elastic fabric could be replaced with or includehook-and-loop fasteners.

Referring again to FIGS. 1-3, the body member 20 is generallyconstructed of a single piece of fabric having a top end 22, an opposingbottom end 24, a left end section 26 and an opposing right end section28. In this embodiment, the body member 20 is constructed of a flexible,light weight and breathable material such as polyester-spandex blend butother materials and blends of materials could be used without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. When the single piece offabric is folded such that the left and right end sections 26, 28 arejoined, as will be described in more detail below, the bottom end 24 isaligned and stitched together by conventional sewing methods to form alower seam 21.

Now referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the body member 20 includes a leftchannel 50 a and a right channel 50 b extending from the top end 22 to aposition intermediate the top and bottom ends 22, 24. Each channel 50 a,50 b is formed by folding the left and right end sections 26, 28 asshown in FIG. 7. The left end section 26 includes a first portion 30 a,which is generally the outer surface of the body member 20, followed bya second portion 32 a, and a third portion 34 a having a free end 36 a.The third portion 34 a is folded under the second portion 32 a. As shownin FIG. 7, a first intersection line 38 a is formed between the firstand second portions 32 a, 34 a, and a second intersection line 40 a isformed between the second and third portions 34 a, 36 a. Similarly, theright end section 28 includes a first portion 30 b, which is generallythe outer surface of the body member 20, followed by a second potion 32b, and a third portion 34 b having a free end 36 b. The third portion 34b is folded under the second portion 32 b. As shown in FIG. 7, a firstintersection line 38 b is formed between the first and second portions32 b, 34 b, and a second intersection line 40 b is formed between thesecond and third portions 34 b, 36 b.

Referring to FIG. 8, the left and right end sections 26, 28 are stitchedtogether along the second intersection lines 40 a, 40 b as indicated by“X,” to form a center seam 31. On the left end section 26, the firstportion 30 a is stitched together with the free end 36 a along the firstintersection line 28 a as indicated by “X,” to form a left seam 41.Similarly, on the right end section 28, the first portion 30 b isstitched together with the free end 36 b along the first intersectionline 28 b as indicated by “X,” to form a right seam 51. The stitchingalong the first and second intersection lines 28 a, 28 b extends fromthe body member top end 22 to a position intermediate the top and bottomends 22, 24, as shown in FIG. 2. A lower portion 42 of the body member20 is formed by stitching only the left and right end sections 26, 28along the second intersection lines 40 a, 40 b to the bottom end 24, butnot the first portions 30 a, 30 b with the respective free ends 36 a, 36b. As such, the lower portion 42 includes only one stitch line or centerseam 31, as shown for example in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, the fabric at lower ends 43, 53 proximatethe left and right seams 41, 51 are cut open between respective lowerends 43, 53 and the center seam 31, and the edges of cut fabric 43, 53are heat pressed for reinforcement to form channel openings. As aresult, the left and right channels 50 a, 50 b are formed, extendingfrom a first end 52 to a second end 54.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, the draw string 70 includes a first end72 and an opposing second end 74, with a lower loop 76 intermediate thefirst and second ends 72, 74. The first and second ends 72, 74 arestitched to the channel first ends 52, as shown in FIG. 6. The drawstring 70 includes a first section 78 between the first end 72 and thelower loop 76, and a second section 80 between the second end 74 and thelower loop 76, with the first section 78 positioned within the leftchannel 50 a, and the second section 80 positioned within the rightchannel 50 b. As such, the lower loop 76 extends from the channel secondends 54. The lower loop 76 includes a fixing member 90 with the firstand second sections 78, 80 positioned therein through apertures of thefixing member 90. In this embodiment, the fixing member 90 includes aspring-loaded release member 92 which fixes the positions of the firstand second sections 78, 80 within the fixing member 90 when disengagedand allows a user to adjust the positions of the first and secondsections 78, 80 within the fixing member 90 when engaged. One ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that the fixing member 90 couldbe replaced with other devices that are capable of releasably engagingthe draw string 70. For example, clips and the like could be used tofunction as such.

In this embodiment, the first and second ends 72, 74 are free endshaving a reinforcing fabric 73, 75. The purpose of the reinforcingfabric 73, 75 is to aid in attaching the first and second ends 72, 74 tothe body member 20 and head band 10 as well as to provide comfort forthe user by minimizing unevenness of an upper seam 11 formed when thecomponents are attached together. In alternative embodiments, the firstand second ends 72, 74 could be integral, i.e., the draw string 70 couldbe one continuous loop without having free ends, and also includereinforcing fabric attached thereto. In this embodiment, the draw string70 is elastic and constructed of a durable material such as polyester,but other materials or combinations of materials could be used withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. As well, the lowerloop 76 could be replaced with free ends having a greater width ordiameter than the apertures of the fixing member 90.

Referring to FIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment, the body member 20could be constructed with a single channel 50 by stitching the left andright end sections 26, 28 together to form the center seam 31, indicatedby “X,” and positioning a top fabric 4 above the center seam 31 bystitching the top fabric 4 to the left and right end section 36, 28 toform left and right seams 41, 43, indicated by “X.”

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 6, when the single piece of fabric is foldedsuch that the left and right end sections 26, 28 are joined, the bodymember top end 22 is sized and shaped substantially similar to the headband inner end 14 and operably coupled therewith as shown in FIG. 6. Inthis embodiment, the body member top end 22 and inner end 14 arestitched together by conventional sewing methods to form the upper seam11. As such, a head band opening or top opening 16 is formed around thehead band 10 and the body member top end 22. Also, with thisconfiguration, an enclosure within the body member 20 is formed forstoring the user's hair.

For purposes of clarity, the hair covering 1 is manufactured by firstconstructing the body member 20, including the channels 50 a, 50 b asdescribed above. The fixing member 90 is attached to the draw string 70by extending the first and second ends 72, 74 through apertures of thefixing member 90 such that the lower loop 76 is formed on one side ofthe fixing member 90, and the draw string first and second sections 78,80 are positioned an opposite side of the fixing member 90. The drawstring first and second ends 72, 74 are extended through respective leftand right channels 50 a, 50 b. Once extended, reinforcing fabric 73, 75is applied to the draw string first and second ends 72, 74 and alignedwith the channel first ends 52. Finally, the body member top end 22,draw string first and second ends 72, 74 with respective reinforcingfabric 73, 75, and the head band 10 are stitched together to form theupper seam 11.

In use, the user places her hair within the body member 20 and fixes thehead band 10 around her head, as shown in FIG. 1. To adjust the lengthof the hair covering 1, the user engages the lower loop 76 with one handand the fixing member 90 with her other hand. The release member 92 isengaged and the fixing member 90 is moved to a desired position wherethe release member 92 is disengaged and fixed thereto. To retract thehair covering 1, the fixing member 90 is moved toward the body membertop end 22, and to expand the hair covering 1, the fixing member 90 ismoved toward the body member bottom end 24. In the alternative, the usercan adjust the length of the hair covering 1 prior to wearing the haircovering 1.

In the embodiments described herein, the hair covering 1 is 26 inches inlength in the extended state, as shown for example in FIGS. 1-3, andretractable to a length of 18 inches, as shown for example in FIG. 4.However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the haircovering 1 could be manufactured with other dimensions.

One of ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the haircovering 1 could be used for many different purposes and depending onthe purpose, the materials used to manufacture the hair covering 1 couldvary. For example, if the hair covering 1 is used as a shower cap,water-resistant or water-proof materials could be used. As anotherexample, if the hair covering 1 is used for every-day use during warmweather, air permeable materials such as mesh could be used.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention will be, therefore,indicated by claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges, which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims, are to be embraced within their scope.

1. An adjustable hair covering comprising: an elastic head bandsubstantially circular in shape and configured to be fixed on a user'shead proximate the forehead and upper neck area; a body member having atop end and an opposing bottom end, the body member top end operablycoupled with the elastic head band and extending therefrom to form ahead band opening proximate the body member top end and an enclosedspace between the body member top end and body member bottom end, theenclosed space configured to store the user's hair; first and secondchannels each having a first end and an opposing second end, the firstand second channels formed on the body member with the channel firstends coinciding with the body member top end, and the channel secondends extending to a position intermediate the body member top and bottomends, the channel second ends each having a channel opening, whereineach first and second channels have a channel length defined by thelength between respective channel first and second ends; a draw stringhaving opposing first and second ends and a lower loop therebetween, thedraw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, thedraw string having a first section extending between the draw stringfirst end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within thefirst channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with the bodymember top end, the draw string having a second section extendingbetween the draw string second end and the lower loop, the secondsection positioned within the second channel, and the lower loopextending from respective channel second ends; and a fixing memberreleasably coupled to the draw string first and second sections betweenthe respective draw string first and second ends, and the lower loop,wherein a first draw string length is defined by the length between thedraw string first end and the fixing member, and a second draw stringlength is defined by the length between the draw string second end andthe fixing member; wherein in an extended state the first and seconddraw string lengths are greater than the first and second channellengths, respectively, and in a retracted state the first and seconddraw string lengths are less than the first and second channel lengths,respectively, thereby reducing the distance between the top and bottomends of the body member.
 2. The adjustable hair covering of claim 1,wherein the draw string first and second ends are free ends.
 3. Theadjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the draw string first andsecond ends are integral with each other forming an upper loop.
 4. Theadjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the draw string is elastic.5. The adjustable hair covering of claim 1, wherein the fixing membercomprises a release member for releasing the draw string from theextended state, and positioning and fixing the fixing member to theretracted state.
 6. An adjustable hair covering comprising: a head bandsubstantially circular in shape and configured to be fixed on a user'shead; a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, thebody member top end operably coupled with the head band and extendingtherefrom to form a head band opening proximate the body member top endand an enclosed space between the body member top end and body memberbottom end, the enclosed space configured to store the user's hair; atleast one channel having a first end and an opposing second end, the atleast one channel formed on the body member with the first end of the atleast one channel positioned proximate the body member top end, and thesecond end of the at least one channel extending to a positionintermediate the body member top and bottom ends, the second end of theat least one channel having a channel opening, wherein the at least onechannel having a channel length defined by the length between the firstand second ends of the at least one channel; a draw string havingopposing first and second ends, and a lower loop therebetween, the drawstring first end operably coupled with the body member top end, the drawstring having a first section extending between the draw string firstend and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the at leastone channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with the bodymember top end, the draw string having a second section extendingbetween the draw string second end and the lower loop, the secondsection positioned within the at least one channel, and the lower loopextending from the second end of the at least one channel; and a fixingmember releasably coupled to the draw string first and second sectionsbetween the respective draw string first and second ends, and the lowerloop, wherein a first draw string length is defined by the lengthbetween the draw string first end and the fixing member, and a seconddraw string length is defined by the length between the draw stringsecond end and the fixing member; wherein in an extended state the firstand second draw string lengths are greater than the channel length, andin a retracted state the first and second draw string lengths are lessthan the channel length, thereby reducing the distance between the topand bottom ends of the body member.
 7. The adjustable hair covering ofclaim 6, wherein the at least one channel comprises first and secondchannels, the draw string first and second sections positioned withinthe first and second channels, respectively.
 8. The adjustable haircovering of claim 6, wherein the draw string first and second ends arefree ends.
 9. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein the drawstring first and second ends are integral with each other forming anupper loop.
 10. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6, wherein thedraw string is elastic.
 11. The adjustable hair covering of claim 6,wherein the fixing member comprises a release member for releasing thedraw string from the extended state and positioning and fixing thefixing member to the retracted state.
 12. An adjustable hair coveringcomprising: a body member having a top end and an opposing bottom end, atop opening formed proximate the body member top end and an enclosedspace formed between the body member top end and body member bottom end,the enclosed space configured to store a user's hair; at least onechannel having a first end and an opposing second end, the at least onechannel formed on the body member with the first end of the at least onechannel positioned proximate the body member top end, and the second endof the at least one channel extending to a position intermediate thebody member top and bottom ends, the second end of the at least onechannel having a channel opening, wherein the at least one channelhaving a channel length defined by the length between the first andsecond ends of the at least one channel; a draw string having opposingproximal and distal ends, the draw string proximal end operably coupledwith the body member top end, the draw string positioned within the atleast one channel with the draw string distal extending from the channelopening; and a fixing member releasably coupled to the draw stringbetween the draw string proximal and distal ends; wherein a draw stringlength is defined by the length between the draw string proximal end andthe fixing member; wherein in an extended state the draw string lengthis greater than the channel length, and in a retracted state the drawstring length is less than the channel length, thereby reducing thedistance between the top and bottom ends of the body member.
 13. Theadjustable hair covering of claim 12, further comprising a head bandoperably coupled to the body member top end, the head band configured tobe fixed on the user's head.
 14. The adjustable hair covering of claim12, wherein the draw string proximal end comprises draw string first andsecond ends, and the draw string distal end comprises a lower loop, thedraw string first end operably coupled with the body member top end, thedraw string having a first section extending between the draw stringfirst end and the lower loop, the first section positioned within the atleast one channel, the draw string second end operably coupled with thebody member top end, the draw string having a second section extendingbetween the draw string second end and the loop, the second sectionpositioned within the at least one channel, and the lower loop extendingfrom the second end of the at least one channel.
 15. The adjustable haircovering of claim 14, wherein the at least one channel comprises firstand second channels.
 16. The adjustable hair covering of claim 15,wherein the draw string first and second sections are positioned withinthe first and second channels, respectively.
 17. The adjustable haircovering of claim 14, wherein the draw string first and second ends arefree ends.
 18. The adjustable hair covering of claim 14, wherein thedraw string first and second ends are integral with each other formingan upper loop.
 19. The adjustable hair covering of claim 12, wherein thedraw string is elastic.
 20. The adjustable hair covering of claim 12,wherein the fixing member comprises a release member for releasing thedraw string from the extended state, and positioning and fixing thefixing member to the retracted state.